This is page numbers 3837 - 3896 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was indigenous.

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Richard Edjericon

Richard Edjericon Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize the International Women's Day.

Mr. Speaker, I'm concerned about Indigenous employees of the GNWT. I have been hearing from my constituents in my riding about the challenges to advance into management positions. I recognize, Mr. Speaker, that a GNWT Affirmative Action Policy has recently released Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Action plan, and these are positive steps, Mr. Speaker, but I am concerned that the Indigenous employees are still falling through the crack -- or falling through the gaps.

The GNWT provides employment to 6,249 people. And of that 6,249 people, there are 1,832 are Indigenous. The vision has made it publicly clear that GNWT wants public service to reflect its population. Indigenous people represents nearly half of the NWT population and 29 percent of that is GNWT employees. And when we look at the senior management, Mr. Speaker, this number drops to 20 percent. So 80 percent of leadership in the GNWT is held by non-Indigenous people.

In 2020, there were just over 250 GNWT senior management and managers. Only 50 of them were Indigenous and if half of them were to be Indigenous, we would need 75 more Indigenous senior managers.

How can we change this, Mr. Speaker? Can we do -- what can we do today in the short-term to retain and develop Indigenous employees we have? Why do Indigenous employees feel that they are not advancing?

We know that lower education rates are lower amongst Indigenous people in the NWT compared to non-Indigenous people. So what plans are in place to help Indigenous employees get the required training, experience, or education they need to advance in the workforce? Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister of Finance later today. Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituent from the Sahtu, Ms. Heidi Hodgson. And my constituent assistant Natasha Takazo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3840

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Welcome. If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber and I hope you enjoy the proceedings. It's always nice to have an audience with us. Mahsi.

Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Deh Cho.

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Ronald Bonnetrouge Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment is pleased to provide its report on the Statutory Reviews of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act and Wildlife Act and commends it to the House.

Executive Summary

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment Committee is mandated to review the Wildlife Act and Species at Risk (NWT) Act pursuant to Section 171 and Section 147 of the Act respectively.

Due to the change in Assemblies, there was a delay commencing the statutory review process and a further delay as a result of COVID-19.

Committee began the statutory review in August of 2020 and established the following key priorities in which to guide the committee's approach:

  • the role of Indigenous governments from areas with ongoing negotiations in relation to lands, resources, or self-government agreements with respect to wildlife management;
  • emerging role of guardianship and related programs; and
  • community-based wildlife management.

Between September 2020 to October 2021, committee held several rounds of public engagement seeking feedback from Indigenous governments, renewable resource boards, hunters and trappers associations, non-government wildlife stakeholders and the public. The committee received seven written submissions and three public presentations as well as briefings from the Minister and officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The committee heard a broad range of concerns including, but not limited to:

  • the role of Indigenous governments (without agreements) in wildlife management;
  • application of the legislation with regard to infractions, enforcement and identification;
  • Indigenous guardians;
  • harvester education and training;
  • community conservation plans;
  • wildlife habitat;
  • food security;
  • alternative measures under the Wildlife Act.

The following report provides a summary of what committee heard from stakeholders and submits recommendations to the GNWT to improve the Species at Risk (NWT) Act and the Wildlife Act.

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment has provided 14 recommendations to the GNWT:

Recommendation 1

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories advance discussions under section 12 of the Wildlife Act with Indigenous governments who are not represented by renewable resources boards or without a final lands, resources, and self-government agreement.

Recommendation 2

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommend the Department of Environment and Natural Resources strengthen the application of Section 14 and 21 under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act to ensure that Indigenous governments without a final agreement have a say in management of species at risk.

Recommendation 3

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories establish an expedited legal process for Indigenous hunters to regain access to hunting equipment when there is a risk of losing the hunting season without it.

Recommendation 4

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories increase funding support for the Community Harvester Assistance Program and related programs that develop hunting, trapping and harvesting skills.

Recommendation 5

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories make further hunter education a requirement of the kindergarten to grade 12 NWT education curriculum.

Recommendation 6

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories expand section 98 of the Wildlife Act to require consideration of community conservation plans when determining allocation of harvests for wildlife and that written reasons be required for all decisions on harvest allocations.

Recommendation 7

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories work with Indigenous governments and renewable resource boards to identify appropriate culturally-grounded processes for enforcement using alternative measures, which include restorative justice models.

Recommendation 8

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories establish a role for Indigenous guardians in legislation.

Recommendation 9

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories create a funding program to establish and maintain Indigenous guardian programs in communities, and that multiyear funding be available to employ people in small communities.

Recommendation 10

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories remove any regulatory barriers that prevent communities from sharing wild meat to improve food security.

Recommendation 11

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories expand Part 6, Conservation and Management Measures of the Wildlife Act, to include provisions for nomination of conservation areas by Indigenous governments and others, consistent to the Protected Areas Act.

Recommendation 12

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories make the results of discussions at meetings under Section 15 of the Wildlife Act publicly available.

Recommendation 13

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the Minister extend the statutory review period under section 171 of the Wildlife Act to match the review period established under section 147 of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act, and that both of these statutory review periods be required every other Assembly.

And in closing,

Recommendation 14

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to the recommendations contained in this report within 120 days.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 24-19(2): Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment - Report on the Statutory Reviews of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act and Wildlife Act be deemed read and printed in Hansard in its entirety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

To the motion?

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions? The motion is carried.

--Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Deh Cho

INTRODUCTION

The Standing Committee on Economic Development is mandated to undertake statutory reviews of legislation. Section 171 of the Wildlife Act requires the Act to be reviewed by the Legislative Assembly within five-years after coming into force (November 2014), and Section 147 of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act requires review ten-years after coming into force (February 2010). Due to 19th Assembly starting office in late 2019, along with limitations imposed in early 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic, Committee was delayed commencing the statutory reviews. Due to the overlapping nature of both pieces of legislation, Committee is providing one consolidated report.

In committee's preparation on the Report of statutory reviews, committee conducted internal research, engaged with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and held three rounds of public engagement, all of which contributed to the recommendations as detailed in this report.

Committee recognizes this review was extended over two years. While Committee acknowledges the intent of statutory review clauses in legislation to maintain accountability, these reviews require significant time, energy, and resources in addition to other priorities set by Committees.

REVIEW PROCESS

On August 20, 2020, Committee commenced the statutory review of the Wildlife Act and Species at Risk (NWT) Act. The following key priorities emerged from Committee's review:

  • the role of Indigenous governments from areas with ongoing negotiations in relation to lands, resources, or self-government agreements with respect to wildlife management;
  • emerging role of guardianship and related programs; and
  • community based wildlife management

Between September 2020 and October 2021 Committee sent letters seeking feedback to all Indigenous governments and renewable resource boards, the Inuvialuit Game Council, hunter and trapper associations, Northwest Territories wildlife stakeholders, Indigenous guardian programs, tourism outfitters and the general public. Committee had originally planned to hold public hearings in various locations across the NWT but given COVID restrictions, written submissions and video conferences formed the public engagement. Subsequent calls for submissions were released on the Legislative Assembly's various social media platforms.

The following stakeholders provided written submissions and/or public presentations before committee:

  • Sahtu Renewable Resource Board
  • the Inuvialuit Game Council
  • the Wek'eezhii Reviewable Resource Board
  • NWT Metis Nation
  • Acho Dene Koe First Nations
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Nature United
  • Malcolm Jaeb

Any written submissions are contained in Appendix A of this report. The public presentations can be found on the Legislative Assembly channel.

BACKGROUND

Wildlife Act

The original Wildlife Act was an inherited piece of legislation from the Government of Canada and was in force for more than 30 years. The implementation of land, resource, and self-government agreements required the Act to be updated. In 2010, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) began drafting the replacement Wildlife Act. This involved extensive consultation and co-drafting with settled and unsettled Indigenous governments and travel to all 33 communities. The new Wildlife Act legislation and regulations came into force in November 2014, while Sections 46 and 48 pertaining to a Harvester Training Course and a number of other “Phase 2” regulations later came into force on January 1, 2020.

Species At Risk (NWT) Act

The Species at Risk (NWT) Act was developed through a co-drafting process that commenced in 2005 including: GNWT representation from Environment and Natural Resources and Justice, negotiated land, resource and self-government agreement organizations (Inuvialuit Game Council, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, and the Tłı̨chǫ Government), and renewable resources boards established under land, resource or self-government agreements (Wildlife Management Advisory Council (NWT), Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board, Sahtu Renewable Resources Board and the Wek'èezhìı Renewable Resources Board). The Act came into force in February of 2010.

WHAT WE HEARD

Through Committee's public engagement efforts, many stakeholders expressed high regard for the collaborative efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the development of the Wildlife Act and the Species at Risk (NWT) Act. Many stakeholders viewed the Departments progressive approach to co-management very positively.

Role of Indigenous Governments in Wildlife Management Without Agreements

The existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous people are recognized and mandated under section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Wildlife Act and Species at Risk (NWT) Act also provide further recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights with respect to wildlife management and species at risk.

Committee has identified an interest to strengthen the role of Indigenous governments from areas without land and resource management agreements, in the management of wildlife in the NWT.

Wildlife Act

Section 9 of the Wildlife Act identifies renewable resource boards as the main instrument of wildlife management in areas of the Northwest Territories with land claims agreements.

Sections 12 and 14 of the Wildlife Act provide the authority for the Minister to enter into an agreement regarding wildlife management. This can include Indigenous governments who are still negotiating their lands and resources rights.

Committee recognizes this section of the Act is a tool for the Minister to give more responsibilities to Indigenous governments in areas without final agreements, but in Committee's view, this legislative tool has not been fully utilized.

Several stakeholders including Indigenous governments also voiced concern that wildlife co-management needs to incorporate a place at the decision-making table for Indigenous governments in areas still under negotiation.

In their submission the NWT Metis Nation states:

“...in areas of the NWT that are not subject to a land claim agreement, Indigenous governments provide input and are involved in wildlife management. The Wildlife Act and the Species at Risk (NWT) Act must recognize co-management rights of all Indigenous Governments irrespective of whether a group has a land claim.”

Nature United submits:

“...it is neither equitable or effective for conservation to exclude from wildlife co-management and decision-making the full participation of Indigenous governments who represent peoples and territories extending over approximately two-thirds of the land mass of the Northwest Territories.”

Whereas in the Wek'eezhı̀ı Renewable Resources Board submission, Committee is reminded that during the drafting of the Wildlife Act, there was opposition to Indigenous governments without agreements having specific decision-making authorities. While these Indigenous governments should be treated fairly and equitably, the WRRB states the GNWT must be careful not to grant legal authority where it does not exist, and to avoid an adverse effect on those areas with established institutions and rights.

Committee recognizes the legal authority and rights of the areas where institutions to manage wildlife in the NWT have been established under agreements and legislation. Committee also recognizes the legislative tools available under the Wildlife Act to provide more responsibility to Indigenous governments without final agreements areas have not been fully utilized.

Recommendation 1:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories advance discussions under section 12 of the Wildlife Act with Indigenous governments who are not represented by existing renewable resource boards or without a final lands, resources and self-government agreement.

Species At Risk (NWT) Act

Section 11 of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act lists the members to the Conference of Management Authorities which does not include a seat for Indigenous governments without a final agreement.

Section 19(1) lists the composition of Species at Risk Committee which also does not provide a seat for Indigenous governments without land and resource agreements.

Section 14 provides the authority for the Minister to invite others and details the extent to which they will participate regarding the Conference of Management Authorities.

Section 21 provides the same authority for Minister with respect to participation in the Species at Risk Committee.

Under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act, Indigenous governments from areas without land and resource agreements can observe the Species at Risk Committee, and the Conference of Management Authorities, but there is no decision-making role.

Some stakeholders specifically requested that Indigenous governments still negotiating agreements hold decision-making influence in the Conference of Management Authorities.

Acho Dene Koe First Nation recognized the need to strengthen the role of Indigenous governments without representation by a renewable resource board. Acho Dene Koe recommends:

“...amending the Species at Risk (NWT) Act to provide Indigenous governments currently negotiating land claim agreements (and therefore currently without co-management boards) with interim, independent decision-making influence in the Conference of Management Authorities.”

It was recommended that the Indigenous governments (not represented by renewable resource boards) still have equal roles and representation on the Conference of Management Authorities and that interim measures be established to finalize this role until agreements are completed.

Committee recognizes the legislation provides methods to involve Indigenous governments from areas without agreements in decisions, but Committee understands these provisions have not been fully utilized.

Recommendation 2:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Department of Environment and Natural Resources strengthen the application and use of Sections 14 and 21 under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act to ensure that Indigenous governments without a final agreement have a say in management of species at risk.

Illegal Hunting

Members have discussed at length the challenges of the GNWT to address declining caribou populations and illegal hunting activity along roads. Committee recognizes the growing media and public attention to meat wastage and illegal harvesting along the Tibbitt to Contwoyto ice road.

The Inuvialuit Game Council also identified harvesting compliance and meat wastage is an area of concern for the NWT.

Committee acknowledges the Department of Environment and Natural Resources collaborative efforts to advance effective public awareness campaigns on illegal harvesting activities, such as the March 9, 2021 press release, Join A Wildlife Officer Monitoring Caribou on the winter road educational video, as well as the Department's efforts to host meetings among “Respectful Harvesters” to collaboratively address this issue.

Committee also acknowledges ‘effective road planning and management' are actions the Department intends to take to address declining herd populations as identified in the Bathurst Caribou Range Plan.

Committee is concerned about the status of some declining herd populations, but also recognizes the proactive and collaborative efforts the Department is taking to address this issue, and therefore has no specific recommendation on this topic other than the need to continue these efforts collaboratively with Indigenous governments and harvesters.

Hunting Enforcement

Committee recognizes Part 7 of the Wildlife Act describes the authority of an officer appointed by the Minister to seize anything the officer thinks might have been involved in an offence or that provide evidence about an offence under the Act.

Committee recognizes the authority of the Minister to investigate wildlife infractions, which may lead to seizure of evidence. While Committee recognizes the legal process to retrieve one's seized equipment is identified in the Act, Committee is also concerned that seizing the hunting equipment of individuals can decrease the chance of gathering meat for a season and any sharing that usually takes place.

Recommendation 3:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories establish an expedited legal process for Indigenous hunters to regain access to hunting equipment when there is a risk of losing the hunting season without it.

Indigenous Peoples' Identification

Committee also has heard the need for Indigenous harvester identification in the field. The NWT Métis Nation recommends that the Department should recognize an identification card issued by Indigenous governments as an acceptable form of identification.

Committee suggests the Minister utilize the authority established under section 20 of the Wildlife Act to enter into agreements with Indigenous governments respecting the form of acceptable identification.

Harvester Education

Committee recognizes the importance of harvester and trapper training across the NWT. Furs and hides are an economy that can be pursued by individuals across all communities and is a skill set that should be widely taught, shared, and supported.

Committee acknowledges the efforts by the GNWT to expand hunter education across the NWT.

Sections 46 to 48 of the Wildlife Act provide the requirement for anyone who is hunting or harvesting wildlife to complete the harvester training course.

Committee applauds the Department's increased requirements to complete Hunter Education before receiving a hunting licence, and a hunter education course that is currently being piloted in nine schools across the NWT.

The Department has also expanded programs and funding to support the development of on-the-land skills.

Committee fully supports the Department's efforts in this regard.

Recommendation 4:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories increase funding support for the Community Harvester Assistance Program (and related programs that develop hunting, trapping and harvesting skills).

Committee also requests the hunter education course to be formalized in education curriculum across the NWT.

Recommendation 5:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories make hunter education a requirement of the kindergarten to grade 12 NWT education curriculum.

The Committee also recognizes the opportunity for the Department to support and formalize organized community-based hunts. Community-based hunts ensure that communities have access to meat, while conducting hunts in a setting where knowledge sharing between Elders, youth, and families can be facilitated. Committee sees these organized community hunts as an opportunity for caribou monitors as well as officers to participate.

Committee acknowledges the efforts of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) through the Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Program to support subsistence harvesting. Under this program the IRC "provides assistance to Inuvialuit individuals and groups to engage in traditional and emerging renewable resource activities".

Committee encourages the Department to find ways to increase community organized hunts across the NWT.

And finally, Committee recognizes the need to educate and train people of all ages, not just children and youth. Committee suggests that the GNWT support community led hunter education training efforts. While the GNWT has developed this course, Committee would like to see Indigenous governments supported to build capacity to deliver this training.

Authority of Conservation Plans

Sahtu Renewable Resources Board (SRRB) requests the Community Conservation Plans (which includes aspects of harvest management) to be recognized under legal authority, likely under the Wildlife Act. ENR and Colville Lake negotiated an Interim Management Agreement to formalize certain local authority over harvest management, but other issues remain unresolved and unconfirmed in current law.

SRRB would like to see Community Conservation Plans be considered before determining Total Allowable Harvest limits. SRRB is of the view that the current regulatory framework being applied by GNWT may not respect the rights, customs, and practices of Sahtu Dene or Métis.

Committee recognizes the authority of the Minister to establish allocation of harvest on wildlife and agrees that Community Conservation Plans should be considered in this decision. Committee also believes that the Minister should provide written public notice on reasons for the decision on allocation of harvest for wildlife.

Recommendation 6:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories expand section 98 of the Wildlife Act, to require consideration of community conservation plans when determining allocation of harvests for wildlife and that written reasons be required for all decisions on harvest allocations.

Alternative Measures

Committee recognizes how expensive and complicated court processes can be when dealing with infractions.

Committee recognizes that alternative measures are detailed under section 167 of the Wildlife Act.

Committee views infractions under the Wildlife Act seriously but also believes that alternative measures may be more effective tools to address illegal harvesting practices.

Committee believes that restorative justice models where Elders and Guardians (for example) as part of enforcement efforts may effectively increase compliance under the Act.

The SRRB recommends that the GNWT Minister consider culturally appropriate restorative justice processes in the Délı̨nę and Dehla Gotine Community Conservation Plans that reflect and accommodate community enforcement capacity under the authority available in the Wildlife Act.

The SRRB wants to see the Wildlife Act accommodate community-based authority, to define offences and/or determine enforcement measures.

Committee suggests the GNWT discuss alternative measures with Indigenous governments and Renewable Resource Boards to identify how alternative measures can be applied more often to promote compliance under the Wildlife Act.

Recommendation 7:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories work with Indigenous governments and Renewable Resource Boards to identify appropriate, culturally grounded, processes for enforcement using alternative measures which include restorative justice models.

Indigenous Guardians

Committee recognizes that Indigenous guardian programs, where Indigenous peoples take the lead on monitoring, stewardship, and protecting lands and waters are growing across the NWT and indeed the world. Committee also recognizes Indigenous guardians are an avenue for Indigenous peoples to exercise land rights and maintain cultural connections to the land through stewardship.

Committee is fully supportive of these efforts as a tool for wildlife conservation and management.

In Nature United's submission:

“A growing body of global evidence shows that Indigenous people who are able to actively participate in the management of lands and resources in accordance with Indigenous laws, customary management systems and Indigenous knowledge results in more effective and durable sustainable management over time[1].”

Indigenous guardian programs in the NWT employ community members as stewards of the land, patrolling protected areas, monitoring fish and wildlife harvests, collecting data on climate change, tracking industrial activities and educating visitors about proper land use.

The social return on investment of Indigenous guardian programs in the NWT is estimated that for every $1 invested in an NWT Guardian Program there equates approximately $2.5 of social, economic, cultural and environmental value[2].

Australia has been recognized as a leader in the development of Indigenous protected areas and the benefits of managing land under Indigenous stewardship. A study conducted for the Australian Prime Minister and Cabinet reflects the research findings from the NWT that for every $1 invested in combined Indigenous Ranger and Indigenous protected area programs generates up to $3 in social, economic and cultural benefits.

In Australia, the Indigenous Protected Areas and ‘Working on Country' programs have catalyzed the development of an Indigenous land and sea-based economies, empowering Indigenous landowners to manage their country in accordance with their priorities. As of April 9, 2021, there are 129 ranger groups and 898.7 full time equivalent Indigenous rangers in the country. The success has been so impressive, the Government of Australia invested $650M towards the Indigenous ranger programs as part of its COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

Economic Diversification

Indigenous-led conservation areas across Canada are leading the way for creation of jobs, and the creation of new and expanded businesses in this area. Nature United notes that stakeholders involved in the establishment and management of Thaidene Nëné are expected to create approximately 10-20 jobs for Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation. Economic benefits from Indigenous-led conservation areas creates jobs in stewardship, land management, and parks while also stimulating tourism activities and new business developments.

Committee recognizes the potential for Indigenous guardian programs to grow the tourism and conservation economy across the NWT and suggest the GNWT work inter-departmentally to continue to support these community-based land stewardship efforts.

Enforcement

Nature United proposes that the role of Guardians should be enabled under the provisions of the Wildlife Act, particularly with respect to monitoring, conservation and enforcement tools.

The Wek'èezhı̀ı Renewable Resource Board however, expressly identified that Guardians should not be involved in enforcement. The WRRB also cautions that the role of Guardians within legislation needs to be carefully considered so as not to overlap renewable resource boards or hunter and trapper committees.

Conservation and Monitoring

Both stakeholders acknowledge the opportunity to expand authority for Guardians around monitoring and conservation efforts, of which Committee also supports. Committee recognizes the Minister has the authority to establish agreements with Indigenous governments to recognize the role of Indigenous guardians in wildlife conservation and monitoring.

Recommendation 8:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommend the Government of the Northwest Territories establish a role for Indigenous guardians in legislation.

There was consensus among several stakeholders including the Committee that the GNWT should assist with the establishment and funding of Indigenous guardian programs to support wildlife conservation and monitoring efforts.

Recommendation 9:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories create a funding program to establish and maintain Indigenous guardian programs in communities, and that multi-year funding be available to employ people in small communities.

Chronic Wasting Disease Testing

The Acho Dene Koe First Nation recommends the regulation prohibiting import of mule and white-tailed deer from outside of the NWT be re-considered under the Wildlife Act.

Committee recognizes the Acho Dene Koe First Nation traditional area extends outside the borders of the NWT. Acho Dene Koe First Nation assert that Section 12.3 of the Wildlife General Regulations may create hardship and infringe on their Aboriginal or treaty rights.

Section 12.3 of the Wildlife General Regulations requires a hunter that shoots a mule or white-tailed deer more than 100km outside of the NWT border to have the animal tested for Chronic Wasting Disease and provide proof the animal does not have the disease before bringing it to the NWT.

Members had mixed views regarding the requirement for testing.

Committee recognizes the hardship this may create for hunters in their traditional territory. Committee also recognizes that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources provides support to the public to facilitate testing of Chronic Wasting Disease.

Committee recommends that the Department work with Acho Dene Koe First Nation to ensure that testing for Chronic Wasting Disease is made accessible and appropriate to harvesters.

Food Security and Sharing of Wild Meat

Committee is concerned about food security in the NWT, and the opportunity for communities that have abundant levels of big game to be able to share with communities that do not. Committee would like to eliminate regulatory barriers that prevent communities from sharing meat, to stock up community freezers, and to reduce the number of children and families going hungry in the NWT.

The Inuvialuit Game Council recognized that the GNWT has made it more difficult to share harvested meat which has resulted in negative impacts on food security.

The Creation of a Northwest Territories Food Security Strategy Motion 37-19(2) was passed on June 4, 2021, by the 19th Legislative Assembly. This motion moves that:

“The Government of the Northwest Territories remove all of its legislative and regulatory barriers over the next 12 months to facilitate regional sharing of harvested meat or other food products.”

Committee acknowledges the GNWT response, November 22, 2021 to this motion did not address a timeline for regulatory action to improve the sharing of harvested meat in the NWT.

Recommendation 10:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories remove any regulatory barriers that prevent communities from sharing wild meat to improve food security.

Wildlife Habitat

The Acho Dene Koe First Nation suggested that the Species at Risk (NWT) Act be amended under section 84 when authorizing the destruction of habitat to include: considerations on the impacts of a species on the well-being of Indigenous people; and to identify accommodation measures in collaboration with the Conference of Management Authorities and Indigenous people where impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated.

The Wek'èezhı̀ı Renewable Resources Board (WRRB) also stressed the importance of habitat in wildlife management. The WRRB urges the GNWT to consider forward looking wildlife management to face the climate change and the biodiversity crisis. Wildlife laws should reflect the importance of wildlife and wildlife habitat and be prepared for future challenges.

Ducks Unlimited also recognized the opportunity for the GNWT to take a proactive conservation approach and suggest that relational planning, land management and Indigenous viewpoints be integrated into a comprehensive Wetland Policy to protect critical habitat.

Committee recognizes the importance of protecting conservation areas for future generations.

Committee also recognizes that the Protected Areas Act allows for Indigenous governments or organizations (as well as the Executive Council) to nominate a candidate protected area. Committee suggests the Wildlife Act expand the provisions around the establishment of conservation areas to allow nominations from Indigenous governments and the public.

Recommendation 11: The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories expand Part 6, Conservation and Management Measures of the Wildlife Act to include provisions for nomination of conservation areas by Indigenous governments and others, consistent to the Protected Areas Act.

Use of Traditional Knowledge

The WRRB recommends that the GNWT continue to build relationships with renewable resource boards and ensure balanced decision making by using both traditional knowledge and science.

Committee acknowledges that the GNWT is making efforts towards this end. On March 2, 2021 the GNWT announced that the Species at Risk Committee adopted a new species assessment process that adopts Indigenous, community and scientific knowledge equally and respectfully.

Annual Wildlife Meeting

Section 15 of the Wildlife Act requires the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to convene a meeting of bodies and organizations responsible for wildlife management in the NWT. Committee views this annual meeting as an important process in the co-management of wildlife and believes a summary of the discussions at these meetings should be made publicly available.

Recommendation 12:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories make the results of discussions at meetings under Section 15 of the Wildlife Act publicly available.

Timeline of Statutory Review

Section 171 of the Wildlife Act provides the authority for the Legislative Assembly to review the Wildlife Act every seven years after the tabling of this report. Under Section 147 of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act the Assembly is required to review the legislation every 10 years.

Committee recognizes that the Statutory Review process takes a significant amount of Committee attention. Committee recommends that both Acts be amended to require review at the same time, Committee further suggests the timeline be established by Assembly as opposed to a set number of years.

Recommendation 13:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the Minister extend the Statutory Review period under section 171 of the Wildlife Act to match the review period established under section 147 of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act, and that both of these Statutory Review periods be required every other Assembly.

Recommendation 14:

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to the recommendations contained in this report within 120 days.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment Report on the Statutory Review of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act and Wildlife Act.

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Ronald Bonnetrouge Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 24-19(2): Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment - Report on the Statutory Reviews of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act and Wildlife Act be received and moved into Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Motion is in order. To the motion?

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions? The motion is carried. The report will be moved into the Committee of the Whole. Thank you

---Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister responsible for Infrastructure confirm the process and criteria required for adding new items to the EV rebate list administered by Arctic Energy Alliance? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Quanani. In 2020, the Department of Infrastructure launched the electrical vehicle program -- rebate program in corporation with Arctic Energy Alliance. This rebate program provides $5,000 rebate towards the cost of a new electrical vehicle and up to $500 towards a charging station in hydropower communities. This program is currently restricted to hydropower communities as the use of electrical vehicles in diesel-powered communities do not represent the best GHG reduction opportunities.

So the Department of Infrastructure works with the Arctic Energy Alliance to establish which EVs will be available for a rebate. The list of eligible vehicle changes as prices for EV changes over time as more EVs come into the market.

This program has been successful, and there are currently 34 fully electrical charging vehicles registered here in the Northwest Territories. Quanani.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you know, since Russia started its invasion of the Ukraine, we have seen crude oil prices jump from $96 a barrel up to $124 in less than two weeks. So, you know, considering this rise in cost, can the Minister confirm if any discussion has taken place around adding electric bikes and electric snowmobiles to the list of EV vehicles for rebates? If not, will she commit her -- to moving forward? Thank you.

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Quanani. Everybody is wanting AS here so let's see how we do.

Reducing our emissions for transportation sector by 10 percent on a per person basis is the objective of the 2030 Energy Strategy. At this time, we are focusing our program dollars towards the promotion and increase of electrical vehicles which represent the best opportunity to reduce GHGs in the transportation sector.

Discussions have been occurring in the GNWT, and working with Arctic Energy Alliance, to see if we can get electrical snowmobiles to be able to test here in the Northwest Territories. Once we better understand the technology, if it's a good fit and if there's potential public demand, we can be able to make a decision to support electrical bikes and snowmobiles. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for that response. You know, as a starting point, I would suggest the Minister -- or I would suggest to the Minister she have her department review rebates provided by the Yukon government for electric bikes and electric snowmobiles. And I would look for a commitment from her that she will have her department make this a priority. Thank you.

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Quanani. Here in the Northwest Territories, we need to make our own decisions about what's right for us and what will work here in the Northwest Territories. We have significantly different energy and road systems here in the territories.

As a big factor for us, if a rebate would actually encourage public uptake of electrical snowmobiles or e-bikes and if the amount of GHG emissions reduce through such a program warrants government investment versus investment in other programs that might result in more GHG emissions.

We need to ensure our limited funds are spent in a way that maximizing our ability to reach our current targets. As new technologies emerge in the area of electrical snowmobiles and bikes, we expect there to be more public interest in these projects. There's something we are interested in hearing from the public and our partners during our engagement process for the next three-year action plan under this 2030 Energy Strategy. What we hear will be able to help us understand what we should do here in the territories next. Quanani.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Hay River South.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, I guess I listened to the answers and it sounds like -- I was hoping for yeses, I'm sure that's what she promised me, but it sounds more like yeah, we'll think about it.

You know, when I look around Yellowknife, for instance, I see a number of people that ride bikes and I think that, you know, in throughout, you know, in Hay River and throughout the territories and, you know, we have to start somewhere, and we started with vehicles; there's not a lot of vehicles out there. And you know, moving on to skidoos and e-bikes I think is a good move.

So the next question is one of the issues voiced by owners of e-vehicles that I've heard, whether it's cars, trucks, bicycles, or skidoos, is that there are limited number of charging stations.

Can the Minister confirm for the NWT, how many EV chargers are available to the public and has there been a decision to add charging stations on our major highway system? Thank you. And where.

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Quanani. I heard three questions; I'll probably answer all of them, just because. There are currently six public level 3 -- or level 2, sorry, chargers here in the Northwest Territories. We have no level 3 chargers. But most electrical vehicle owners have their own chargers in their homes or businesses.

The Arctic Energy Alliance provides a $500 rebate to residents or businesses for the installation of level 2 charging stations, which are the type you'd use at your home. We are looking for ways to be able to improve this rebate such as leveraging federal funding opportunities.

The department has also undertaken a study that's related to the development of electrical vehicle charging network in the Northwest Territories. While our more remote highways may not have the necessary infrastructure to be able to support the development of fast-charging infrastructure in the near term, it is most definitely our longer term vision as we work to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. Quanani.

Programs that exist could be able to help support this infrastructure. The GNWT program, GHG grant program, can provide funding towards level 3 fast chargers. These are the kinds of things that you find along the highways to be able to charge up in a half hour. The program could provide 25 percent grants to individuals and up to 75 to communities, and we had discussions with partners to be able to promote the use of these programs. Quanani.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.

Frieda Martselos

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Finance tell us when the new Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework and Action Plan will start producing some positive results for Indigenous hires into the public service? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Minister responsible for Finance.